Academic integrity

MBS academic integrity policy

MBS grants credentials on the presumption that the student wrote the work themselves and answered honestly. Where a mentor can no longer make that presumption, the credential loses its meaning — and so we do not.

Your own work

Assignments and mentor conversations must be your own. Quoting a mentor, a book, or another pastor is fine and encouraged — attribute plainly.

AI tools

MBS provides an AI Ministry Advisor and expects you to use it. Use it to sharpen your writing, challenge your assumptions, draft the section you are stuck on. Do not submit an artifact that is substantially AI-generated without your own judgement over it — a mentor will spot it and it will be returned unmarked.

Church confidences

If your assignment describes a real conflict, staff decision, or financial matter, change identifying details or ask permission of those involved. Confidences of your congregation are yours to keep.

Consequences

A first breach receives a written note and a chance to redo the artifact. A repeated breach may lead to program suspension and, in serious cases, withdrawal of a credential.